Technologist I

Medical Laboratory Technologist I

Bloodworks Northwest is backed by more than 70 years of Northwest history and 250,000 donors. A national leader in transfusion medicine, Bloodworks has been chosen to serve more than 90 hospitals in Washington, Oregon and Alaska – partnering closely with local hospitals to deliver the highest level of patient care. Patients with traumatic injuries, undergoing surgeries or organ transplantation, or receiving treatment for cancer and blood disorders all depend on our services, expertise, laboratories and research. We are local, nonprofit, independent, volunteer-supported and community-based.

We have a wonderful opening for a Medical Laboratory Technologist I (Technologist I) position within our Compatibility Lab at Bloodworks Northwest. The incumbent in this role will promote and advance the mission of Bloodworks in saving lives by achieving excellence in Transfusion Service in basic immunohematological testing and procedures, order management, applying critical thinking in the selection, preparation, and distribution of components, participating in quality functions, and providing exceptional customer and transfusion safety to our patients, hospitals, and patient care partners in the community. A certified incumbent will advance 1 grade level, and this role offers progression to Technologist II, Technologist III, and Technologist IV (Lead).

Responsibilities of this role include, but are not limited to:

• Perform immunohematological procedures under routine and emergency protocols for antibody detection, compatibility testing, simple antibody identification, and investigation of transfusion reactions, prediction/detection of Hemolytic Disease of the Newborn, identification of RhIG candidates, and other diagnostic testing.
• Understand special protocols for blood orders, including Pediatrics, Open-Heart Surgery, Liver Transplantation, ECMO, HSCT, and other special transfusion protocols—process transfusion instructions from transplant programs.
• Issue blood components via electronic crossmatch and remote release via the Hemosafe (at applicable sites).
• Report results of tests performed to physicians, other health care professionals, and institutions.
• Perform crossmatch testing and process orders during a computer down by accessing a downtime database and utilizing manual testing records and manual transfusion reports.
• Maintain annual competency in computer downtime, downtime database, and emergency preparedness SOPs.
• Understand and follow the Good Manufacturing Process as defined in the CFR.
• Perform required daily quality control on reagents and equipment; recognize invalid results and perform initial problem-solving. Participate in troubleshooting and refer unusual issues to a senior Technologist or Technical Specialist.
• Operate and maintain equipment and automation used for compatibility testing and component preparation.
• Communicate equipment failures and take appropriate corrective action per organizational SOP for Control of Equipment Failure and Malfunction (BCQ 0606).
• Respond to temperature alarms.
• Appropriately document abnormal occurrences and variances from SOP using the ETQ-Reliance system in a manner such that they can be easily understood and properly coded by departmental quality, then investigated by departmental management or delegates.
• Participate in quality activities, including developing and monitoring quality indicators.
• Perform College of American Pathology (CAP) or other proficiency surveys and concordance testing within allotted timeframes.

Requirements of this position are:

Education & Experience:

• Must qualify as Testing Personnel, High Complexity Testing, under CLIA personnel requirements found in Subpart M of the Code of Federal Regulations. This typically requires a Bachelor's degree in clinical laboratory science or chemical, physical, or biological sciences. This may also include an Associate of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Technology.
• One of the following is also required:

• Current certification as Blood Bank Technologist (BB-ASCP), Medical Laboratory Scientist (MLS-ASCP), Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT-ASCP), or equivalent OR
• Immediate eligibility for certification as BB(ASCP) Technologist, MLS(ASCP), or MLT(ASCP) or equivalent OR
• Successful completion of an immunohematology course through an accredited institution.

• BB (ASCP) and/or MLS (ASCP) certification is strongly desired. Incumbents with these credentials start at or advance to the next salary grade.
• Prior laboratory testing experience is strongly preferred.

The incumbent will also need to have the following, but not limited to, specific job skills:

• Computer skills, including data entry and word processing.
• Demonstrated communication and interpersonal skills.
• Significant manual dexterity is required to operate various instruments and to perform required data entry quickly and with a high degree of accuracy.
• The ability to perform multiple tasks concurrently while also addressing multiple interruptions is required.
• The ability to adhere to a series of complex process steps that involve interacting with multiple computer systems and physically handling inventory is required.
• The ability to work effectively in a team-oriented environment and with staff from other departments is required.
• The ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds is required, as is the ability to push up to 40 pounds.
• Attention to detail is critical.

The Working Conditions include:

• This is a highly regulated position subject to various rules and regulations of regulatory agencies and accrediting bodies. These may include, but are not limited to, the FDA, AABB, CLIA, and CAP.
• Position requires extensive computer work; occasional heavy lifting; extended periods of standing; infrequent off-shift work; and extensive close work.
• As this is an essential position with direct responsibility to donors and/or patients, the incumbent should be prepared to work intermittent overtime, extended and/or consecutive shifts, and possibly at a different location during periods of inclement weather or other emergencies.
• Weekends, holidays, and flexible shifts/hours are required in this position.
• Work is performed in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• This position has direct exposure to bloodborne pathogens.
• Bloodworks is a community-supported nonprofit organization. As such, (from time to time) the incumbent can expect to work with volunteers.

Schedule: Flexible

Benefits and Perks:

Employees regularly scheduled for 24+ hours per week are covered by medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, with family coverage also available. Also able to participate in retirement plans (401a & 401b), consolidated paid leave program (4.8 – 6.8 weeks of time off accrued per year, based on length of service), subsidized transit program, and educational reimbursement. Candidates hired from outside of our service area may be eligible for a relocation assistance bonus*

*Conditions apply

Bloodworks Northwest is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, age, protected veteran status, disability status, or any other characteristic protected by law.